6 Health Threats Hiding in Your Makeup Bag
The biggest culprits of contamination—and how to clean them today!
Before you slather on your favorite shade of red lipstick or apply the same mascara you've been loving for the last three months, you may want to think twice. Hidden threats are hiding in your makeup bag that could be hazardous to your health. Besides contamination from germs and daily dirt and grime, we also have to worry about potential allergens and scary chemicals that have been linked to cancer, respiratory illness, and even birth defects.
Read on for six health threats that could be hiding in your go-to cosmetics.
4. Expired Products
Checking the expiration dates or looking for tell-tale signs something has spoiled is just as important for beauty products as it is for the milk in your fridge.
“Any products that are older than 18 months old should be thrown away and replaced,” Dr. Song says.
Florida physician Dr. Faranna Haffizulla says if there’s any doubt, you should toss it. “Liquids, powders, foams, sprays, and the multitude of textures and colors [found in beauty products] are a veritable breathing ground for infectious elements like bacteria and fungi.”
Of course, if a product has changed in color or texture or smells funny, replace it immediately.
